Risk Manager

Building the Future of Open Finance Payward - the parent company behind Kraken, NinjaTrader, Breakout, xStocks, Payward Services and CF Benchmarks - has spent the last 15 years building one of the most modern and globally accessible financial infrastructure platforms in the industry, built to advance an open, global financial system. The team Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the world's longest-standing crypto platforms, trusted by over 10 million individuals and institutions across the globe. It offers spot trading, margin, futures, staking, and OTC services, with products built for both individual investors and institutional clients. The Enterprise Risk Team is the backbone of Kraken's risk management framework, serving as a strategic second line of defense across the organization. We have deep visibility into the risk landscape that shapes our business and work cross-functionally to ensure all Krakenites are operating within Kraken's risk appetite while enabling sustainable growth. Our approach is proactive and solutions-driven — we thrive on solving complex problems and delivering effective risk outcomes across the enterprise. This role serves as the Chief Risk Officer (PCF-14) for the regulated entity and is accountable for the design, implementation, and ongoing effectiveness of the enterprise risk management framework. The Product and Regional Risk Manager lead the risk management function for the regulated entity and will play a critical part in strengthening Kraken's enterprise-wide risk posture, with a focus on risk identification, assessment, and monitoring across our product suite and regional markets. The ideal candidate is a systems thinker who deploys technology solutions — including automation of everything possible consistent with regulatory requirements — to scale the program as a risk-based, operationally effective, data-driven machine. This role partners closely with Product, Engineering, Compliance, Legal, Finance, and regional business leads to surface and manage risks that could impact Kraken's clients, operations, and strategic objectives. Note: This person is the designated Pre-Approval Controlled Function (PCF) under the Central Bank of Ireland's Fitness & Probity regime (PCF 14). Appointment is subject to approval by the CBI and Board of Directors. This role is open only to candidates who are currently based in (or willing to relocate to) and legally authorised to work in the Republic of Ireland. The opportunity - Conduct and maintain risk assessments and RCSAs across Kraken's core and emerging product lines, identifying key risk exposures and recommending appropriate controls and mitigants - Perform risk assessments for Kraken's regional entities, working with regional and global stakeholders to understand the regulatory, operational, and market risk environment - Contribute to the development and ongoing maintenance of Kraken's enterprise risk taxonomy, risk appetite framework, and key risk indicator (KRI) reporting - Own and oversee the regulated entity risk management framework, including risk appetite setting, risk taxonomy, and governance structures. Lead the identification, assessment, monitoring, and reporting of all material risk types, including operational, regulatory, liquidity, safeguarding, outsourcing, ICT, and conduct risks. Ensure alignment with applicable regulatory frameworks, including MiCAR, E-Money Regulations, and DORA. - Partner with Product and Engineering teams to embed risk considerations early in the product development lifecycle, providing guidance on risk implications of new features, products, and initiatives - Drive proactive identification and escalation of emerging risks, ensuring timely visibility for senior management and relevant governance bodies - Leverage GRC tooling and data analytics to support risk monitoring, reporting, and the automation of risk program activities at scale - Monitor the risk environment for developments — including MiCAR and broader digital asset regulatory obligations — that may affect Kraken's product or regional risk profile - Serve as the primary point of contact for risk-related engagement with the Central Bank of Ireland and other relevant regulators. Lead the preparation and delivery of risk reporting to the Board and its committees, and support regulatory submissions, reviews, and inspections as required. - Prepare clear, concise risk reporting for senior leadership, risk committees, and relevant governance bodies that articulates the key drivers of Kraken's risk landscape - Operate independently across a broad range of risk activities, adding meaningful value while maintaining a collaborative working style with PCFs and senior management - Foster a culture of risk awareness across the organization by collaborating with cross-functional partners and contributing to risk training and education efforts What You Bring - 7+ years of proven experience in enterprise risk management or a related discipline, ideally within a financial services, fintech, or crypto organization, or a top-tier consulting or audit firm - Solid understanding of risk frameworks and risk assessment methodologies, with the ability to apply them pragmatically in a fast-moving environment - Demonstrated experience conducting risk assessments and RCSAs, with the ability to translate complex risk findings into clear, actionable recommendations - Strong familiarity with digital asset markets and MiCAR regulatory obligations - Systems thinker with a track record of leveraging technology, automation, and data-driven approaches to build scalable, operationally effective risk programs - Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize data from multiple sources and derive meaningful risk insights - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce polished deliverables and present findings to senior stakeholders and governance bodies - Proven ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and add value across a broad range of risk activities in a high-growth, fully remote environment - Experience working cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Compliance, Legal, and Finance teams Nice to haves - Knowledge of the crypto and digital assets landscape is a strong plus — familiarity with Kraken's products and competitive environment - Experience using a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) tool